Points of Interest & Attractions in San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, capital city of Puerto Rico is the top tourist destination in Puerto Rico, offering extraordinary attractions and fantastic points of interest sure to help satiate the desire of wanderlust. Visitors choosing to vacation on another vacation destination in Puerto Rico, out to spend at least one day in San Juan.

There are so many attractions and things to do in San Juan that once here, you’ll never want to leave.Old San Juan is home to the most popular attractions in the city, interesting sites you won’t find anywhere else in the world. In Old San Juan all you need is a comfortable set of walking shoes; blue-toned cobblestone streets lead you to a variety of interesting attractions the whole family will enjoy. During your visit to San Juan you can check off visiting a UNESCO World Heritage sites from your bucket list. Old San Juan’s attractions are world class, one of the many reasons the capital city of Puerto Rico is one of the most popular cruise stop destinations in the Caribbean.

Once you leave Old San Juan you’ll be walking into a modern city where you can enjoy great beaches, casinos, art galleries, great shopping, and much more.

You’re planning a Caribbean vacation, so of course you want beaches. San Juan has a variety of beaches, from Miami-style to more laid-back natural settings. Spend a beach day at Balneario Escambron, walk, swim, and play at the beaches of Condado, Ocean Park and nearby Isla Verde. Whether you want to just sit on a lounge chair and relax or be active doing water sports, New San Juan has a beach for you. More about the Beaches of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Streets of Old San Juan

If you only have a day in Old San Juan, tour one of the forts and then simply walk the colorful streets of Old San Juan. Drop the map and get lost around the 7 colorful blocks full of historical gems, museums, relaxed cafes, great shops, exquisite restaurants and more… The free trolley is a nice way to give your feet a break and get acquainted with the Old City. More about Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Casa Bacardi +

Casa Bacardi is one of the top attractions near San Juan. Choose from a number of interesting tours. Getting there is easy from Old San Juan, just a short ferry and taxi ride. More about Bacardi Distillery Tour.

Ventana al Mar +

"Window to the Sea" - Ventana al Mar is at the center of all the action in Condado. This park offers entry to Condado Beach, visitors can dine, picnic on the lawn, take a walk and enjoy the view and more. Be sure to inquire about events by calling the Tourist Office, music under the stars is held once a month.

Top Landmarks & Monuments in San Juan

Castillo San Felipe del Morro +

Castillo San Cristobal +

La Fortaleza

La Fortaleza +

La Fortaleza / Palacio Santa Catalina and Casa Blanca were the first fortifications built in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Today, Palacio Santa Catalina is the official residence of Puerto Rico’s governor. Guided tours are available.

Casa Blanca +

Casa Blanca, the oldest home on the island of Puerto Rico, is tucked away in the corner of a street, the mansion built for Juan Ponce de Leon and his family. You'll tour through gardens, mansion living spaces and a display of artifacts and historic facts. This is an easy stop after touring El Morro. More about Casa Blanca Museum, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Fortín de San Gerónimo...

Fortín de San Gerónimo del Boquerón +

You won't find Fortin on any top lists but we think it is worth a stop. Fortin Geronimo is sadly at risk of collapsing into the water and it may not be standing for long. This small fort is an easy walk for those staying in Condado. Paseo Caribe makes visiting even more interesting, you can stop at various restaurants and shops after seeing the fort. Entry to the fort is not allowed, you'll be observing it from the paseo. Fortin is located inside the Caribe Hilton and can be accessed through the entrance at the corner of Dos Hermanos / Paseo Caribe.

El Capitolio

El Capitolio +

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is the meeting place for the Legislative Assembly. El Capitolio (the capitol building) is located just outside the Old City Walls. The constitution of Puerto Rico is exhibited on the first floor. It is open to visitors Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

The Ballajá Barracks

Cuartel de Ballaja +

Built between 1854 y 1864 to house Spanish soldiers and their families. Today Cuartel Ballaja is a cultural center housing Museo de Las Americas, a coffee shop, restaurant, dance school and some offices.

Tel: 787-721-3737

Old San Juan Cemetery

Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery +

Most people don’t connect visiting a cemetery with a Caribbean vacation, but it is definitely worth visiting this Puerto Rican landmark. The cemetery sits outside the 20 foot walls of fort El Morro – overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Many notable Puerto Ricans are buried here. Once you come in, you may find yourself wishing for your remains to be buried in this place. Many Puerto Ricans are dying to get a burial lot here (no pun intended). More about Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery

Cathedral of San Juan...

Cathedral San Juan Bautista +

Cathedral San Juan Bautista - Visit the second oldest cathedral built in the Americas. The San Juan Cathedral was the first school in Puerto Rico and the first under the U.S. Flag. The remains of Juan Ponce de Leon rest inside the church.

Raices Fountain

Raices Fountain +

The Raices Fountain is a popular spot among visitors. Raices translates to roots, and the fountain represents just that – the roots of Puerto Rican culture, made up of Tainos (natives), Spaniards and Africans. See it at Paseo de la Princesa in Old San Juan.

La Rogativa

La Rogativa +

One of the most beautiful and meaningful statues in Old San Juan is centered at one of the top 5 most scenic spots of San Juan. Learn more about La Rogativa.

Parks, Scenic Promenades & Gardens in San Juan

San Juan may be a “city”, but it offers locals and visitors plenty of open and green spaces great for relaxation, exercise, picnicking, and getting away from the city crowds…most with great views of the bay. In Old San Juan, take a walk along the San Juan Bay at the modern Bahia Urbana or take a short taxi ride to Isla de Cabras for a nice walk as you enjoy great views of the El Morro and the city walls.

Ventana al Mar +

"Window to the Sea" - Ventana al Mar is at the center of all the action in Condado. This park offers entry to Condado Beach, visitors can dine, picnic on the lawn, take a walk and enjoy the view and more. Be sure to inquire about events by calling the Tourist Office, music under the stars is held once a month.

Paseo de la Princesa +

Included on the list of “Most Scenic Walks in the World”, this walkway makes it to the top of our list for setting the mood for the start of a wonderful walking tour of Old San Juan. Paseo La Princesa is a must for romantics, a perfect place to hold hands, take in the views of the San Juan bay, watch the sunset, and admire the splendor of the walls of Old San Juan. More about Paseo de la Princesa, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Bahia Urbana +

Bahia Urbana is a new modern, urban waterfront project in San Juan’s Puerta de Tierra sector covering 87 acres. Bahia Urbana appeals to both visitors and residents offering restaurants, many events, shops, residential buildings, and services to businesses. Bahia Urbana is the point of entry to cruisers arriving to the Old San Juan Piers. If you’re visiting Old San Juan, this is a nice place to come to take a walk along the water and enjoy the various tours and activities available. More about Bahia Urbana, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Condado Lagoon Park

Condado Lagoon +

Condado Lagoon, an estuary between Condado and Miramar is one of most beloved natural areas. The park welcomes residents daily for their fitness routine, it is a great place to walk / jog and ride a bicycle. Condado Lagoon is the most popular spot for paddleboarding and a great place to kayak. Paddleboard and kayak rentals are available at the Lagoon on the east side. Tucked at the west corner, you'll find a perfect little beach.

San Juan Botanical Garden +

Botanical Garden of the University of Puerto Rico - Not popular with tourists, but a treasured garden to locals seeking a little escape from the bustle of the city. The Botanical Gardens are part of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), covering 289 lush green acres with beautiful walking trails. More about San Juan Botanical Garden, San Juan, PR

Parque de las Palomas

Parque de las Palomas +

At the end of Calle del Cristo, visitors will find one of the most beloved parks by Puerto Rican families. Tucked away in corner overlooking the beautiful San Juan Bay, families can take a break from the sun at the shaded park where hundreds of pigeons call it home. Children will love feeding the birds, corn is for sale onsite for $1. There is a quiet spot with benches for romantics with sweeping vistas.

Parque Luis Muñoz Rivera +

Nestled in the mid-eastern end of the island district of Old San Juan lies an attraction that is often overlooked by tourists. Its natural beauty, architectural wonders, and artistic touches are very pleasing to the eye. Whether you're on a romantic vacation, with your children, or want to exercise or relax alone, this park will not disappoint. More about Parque Luis Muñoz Rivera.

Parque del Indio +

Designed for Play & Relaxation. An artistic design facing the Atlantic Ocean with a children's playground, a relaxing space for adults and access to one of the most relaxed stretches of beach in the city. More about Parque del Indio - Condado, PR

Museums in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Take a break from the sun and visit museums of art, history, and those often holding entertaining/ interesting events. Among the museums, you can visit the residence built for Juan Ponce de Leon, where his family members resided.

Casa Blanca +

Casa Blanca, the oldest home on the island of Puerto Rico, is tucked away in the corner of a street, the mansion built for Juan Ponce de Leon and his family. You'll tour through gardens, mansion living spaces and a display of artifacts and historic facts. This is an easy stop after touring El Morro. More about Casa Blanca Museum, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Museo de las Américas

Museo de las Americas +

Located on the second floor of Cuartel de Ballaja, in Old San Juan. This is one of the best museums in San Juan, featuring permanent exhibitions about the history and culture of Puerto Rico and the Americas the entire family will enjoy. Other exhibitions include popular art in America, history of the natives in America (22 ethnicities), the African heritage, the conquest and colonization of Puerto Rico and the newborn evolution that makes up what Puertoricans are today. Excellent museum for families with children and history buffs.

Hours:

Tuesday - Friday: 9am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm

Saturday: 10am - 5:00pm

Sunday: 12pm - 5pm

Mondays: Closed

Entry Fees:

$6 - Adults

$4 - Children up to 12 years old, students & seniors 65 + years

Museo de San Juan

Museo de Arte e Historia de San Juan +

Museum of San Juan is a beautiful mid-19th century landmark. This used to be a popular meeting place where goods were sold and cafes where people met. The mission of Museo de San Juan is to "enrich, preserve an disseminate the history, artistic riches an cultural heritage of the Capital City of San Juan".

Many events are held at the center courtyard. If you happen to be here on a Saturday, be sure to stop, a farmer’s market is held every week. Inside the museum you can enjoy art exhibits rotated regularly. You’ll always find something new and interesting happening at the San Juan Museum.

Museum includes: Permanent exhibits about the history of San Juan, temporary exhibits & amphitheater.

San Juan Wildlife Museum

San Juan Wildlife Museum +

San Juan Wildlife Museum is an excellent educational museum for both adults and children, with exhibits of about 200 mammals with insight on their habitat. Biomes include: Tropical Rainforest, Mountains, Temperate Forest, Taiga, Polar, Life of Antarctica, Tundra, Grasslands & Tropical Savannah.

Pablo Cassals Museum - Pablo Casals’ legacy still lives on today among classical music lovers in Puerto Rico. Visit the museum dedicated to the famous cellist Pablo Casals. It is located at the San Jose Plaza in Old San Juan. The museum contains original manuscripts, his cello, and piano, as well as visual and audio displays of his recordings. You can also learn about his life at this small museum that’s big on music.